Is the Patterdale Terrier Better than the Skye Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Patterdale Terrier Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Patterdale Terrier and for the Skye Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Patterdale Terrier or the Skye Terrier.

Patterdale Terrier versus Skye Terrier: Overview

Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are similar in size. The Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Patterdale Terrier versus Skye Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Patterdale Terrier to the Skye Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier

Factor Patterdale Terrier Skye Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 13 pounds 25 to 40 pounds
Life Span 11 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Height 12 to 15 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $680 $2000
Price Range $550 – $950 $2000 – $2000
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 37.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Patterdale Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Skye Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Skye Terrier is 82 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Skye Terrier is a better pet than the Patterdale Terrier. So, you should get the Skye Terrier!

Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier

Below is a list of where the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are most different:

  • Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Skye Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier

    The Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus Skye Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier.

    Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Skye Terriers weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Skye Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Patterdale Terrier versus Skye Terrier

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Skye Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Skye Terriers is 13.0 years.

    Skye Terriers live longer than Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Skye Terrier

    The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the Skye Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 percent while the temperament score for the Skye Terrier is 37.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 37.5 percent, the Skye Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 8 Skye Terriers.

    Price of Patterdale Terrier versus Price of Skye Terrier

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of a Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Skye Terrier puppy is $2000. The price of the Skye Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of the Skye Terrier can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Skye Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Skye Terrier is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Patterdale Terrier Skye Terrier
    Average Price $680 $2000
    Price Range $550 to $950 $2000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Patterdale Terrier and Skye Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Patterdale Terrier puppies or how many Skye Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Skye Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Skye Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Patterdale Terrier puppy or the Skye Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Patterdale Terrier versus Skye Terrier

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Skye Terriers?

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Skye Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Patterdale Terrier or the Skye Terrier

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Skye Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Skye Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Skye Terriers?

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Skye Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Skye Terrier

    Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Skye Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Patterdale Terrier or the Skye Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Skye Terriers?

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Skye Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Patterdale Terriers and Skye Terriers?

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Skye Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Skye Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Skye Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Skye Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Patterdale Terrier or the Skye Terrier?

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Skye Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Skye Terrier vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Skye Terrier vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Skye Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Skye Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Skye Terrier:

  • Lakeland Terrier (78 percent match with Skye Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Patterdale Terrier and how the Skye Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Patterdale Terrier and of the Skye Terrier to other breeds:

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Puli     Patterdale Terrier versus Lowchen     Patterdale Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Patterdale Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomeranian     Patterdale Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Patterdale Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Patterdale Terrier versus Rottweiler     Patterdale Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Greyhound     Patterdale Terrier versus French Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Sloughi     Patterdale Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Patterdale Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Patterdale Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Patterdale Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     

    Skye Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Skye Terrier versus Bulldog     Skye Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Skye Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Skye Terrier versus English Setter     Skye Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Skye Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Skye Terrier versus Puli     Skye Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Skye Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Skye Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Skye Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Kai Ken     Skye Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Skye Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Skye Terrier versus Basenji     Skye Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Skye Terrier versus Cockapoo     Skye Terrier versus Brittany     Skye Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     

    Conclusion: Patterdale Terrier versus Skye Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Patterdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier better suits you and your family.